How to Fix an Overbite: Treatment Options & Solutions

Have you ever noticed that your top teeth sit a bit too far in front of your bottom teeth? It’s a common dental issue, known as an overbite. Think of it like this: if you were to close a box, the lid should rest neatly on top of the bottom part. But with an overbite, the lid hangs over the edge. It can impact your appearance, oral health, and even your eating habits. The positive news is that overbites can usually be managed with appropriate treatment.

In this blog, we’ll break down everything you need to know about overbites, from what they are and why they occur to all the different ways you can correct them. We’ll explore standard treatment options, from braces to more advanced approaches, and share tips on maintaining oral health after treatment.

What is an Overbite?

An overbite, also known as a deep bite, is a type of dental misalignment. It’s when your top front teeth overlap your bottom front teeth by a significant amount. While a small amount of overlap is normal and healthy, a deep overbite can cause a whole host of problems. It can be a bit like trying to put a puzzle piece in the wrong spot—it just doesn’t fit properly. 

The amount of overlap can vary from person to person. In some cases, the bottom teeth might even be completely hidden by the top teeth when you bite down. It’s a condition that a dentist can identify during a regular check-up.

Causes of an Overbite

So, why do some people have an overbite? It’s not just one thing—a mix of different factors can cause it. The most common cause is genetics. If your parents or grandparents had an overbite, there’s a good chance you might too. It’s simply how your jaw and teeth have grown.

But it’s not just about genetics. Habits developed during childhood can also play a big part. Things like:

  • Prolonged Thumb or Finger Sucking: Sucking a thumb or finger past the age of four or five can push the top teeth forward and the bottom jaw backward.

  • Pacifier Use: Similar to thumb sucking, prolonged pacifier use can have a similar effect on the development of the jaw and teeth.

  • Tongue Thrusting: This is a habit in which the tongue pushes against the back of the front teeth, which can slowly cause them to shift forward over time.

  • Crowded Teeth: When there isn’t enough space for all your teeth, they can become crowded, which can affect your bite.

  • Missing Teeth: If a permanent tooth is missing, the surrounding teeth can shift out of place, leading to a bite issue.

Symptoms of an Overbite

An overbite isn’t just about the way your teeth look. It can come with noticeable symptoms that may impact your daily life. Some of these include:

  • Jaw Pain and Discomfort: An improper bite can put strain on your jaw joint (called the TMJ), leading to pain, headaches, or a clicking sound when you open and close your mouth.

  • Difficulty Chewing and Biting: Biting into certain foods can be a challenge. You may find it more challenging to chew some foods properly, which can affect how comfortably you eat.

  • Speech Problems: In some cases, an overbite can affect the way you speak, causing a lisp or other speech difficulties.

  • Tooth Wear: When the top and bottom teeth don’t meet correctly, they can rub against each other in an unnatural way, causing the teeth to wear down faster than they should. This can lead to sensitivity and other dental problems.

  • Gum Damage: In severe cases, the bottom teeth can bite into the gum tissue behind the top teeth, leading to irritation and damage.

  • Changes in Facial Appearance: A significant overbite may also influence facial appearance, such as the way the chin or lips look in relation to the teeth.

Why Fixing an Overbite is Important

Beyond just wanting a nice-looking smile, correcting an overbite is crucial for your long-term dental and overall health. Correcting an overbite can lead to improved long-term oral health.

  • Improved Dental Health: By correcting an overbite, you reduce the risk of tooth wear, gum damage, and cavities that can come from a misaligned bite. Proper alignment makes it easier to clean your teeth and gums, preventing a build-up of plaque.

  • Reduced Pain: If you’re experiencing jaw pain, headaches, or other discomfort, correcting your bite can provide significant relief.

  • Better Chewing and Digestion: When you can chew your food properly, digestion becomes easier and more efficient.

  • Enhanced Self-Confidence: Improving the alignment of your teeth may also help you feel more comfortable and confident in social situations.

  • Preventing Future Problems: Addressing an overbite early can prevent more serious and costly dental issues from developing down the track.

Treatment Options for an Overbite

The good news is that there are many effective ways to fix an overbite, and the right option for you will depend on the severity of your overbite and your age.

  • Braces: This is the most common and effective treatment for overbites, especially for children, teens, and adults. Braces use brackets and wires to gently and consistently move the teeth into their correct positions. For an overbite, braces are often used in combination with other tools like elastics (tiny rubber bands) that help to move the upper and lower jaws into alignment.

  • Invisalign: For less severe cases, clear aligners like Invisalign can be a great option. They are custom-made, clear trays that you wear over your teeth. You change them out every few weeks as your teeth gradually shift. They’re a popular choice because they’re nearly invisible and can be removed for eating and cleaning. However, for a deep overbite, traditional braces are often more effective.

  • Jaw Expanders: If the overbite is caused by a narrow upper jaw, a device called a jaw expander might be used. This appliance is fitted to the roof of the mouth and gradually widens the upper jaw, creating more space for the teeth and improving the bite. This is typically used in children and early teens while their jawbones are still growing.

  • Retainers: After any orthodontic treatment, a retainer is crucial. It’s a custom-made device that you wear to keep your teeth in their new, correct positions. Wearing your retainer as instructed by your orthodontist is crucial to preventing your overbite from returning.

When is Surgery Necessary for an Overbite?

Most overbites can be corrected with non-surgical treatments like braces. However, in very severe cases, especially in adults where the jaw has finished growing, jaw surgery (orthognathic surgery) may be needed. This is usually the case when the overbite is caused by a problem with the size or position of the jawbones, rather than just the teeth.

Jaw surgery is a major procedure typically performed in a hospital. An oral surgeon reshapes or repositions the jawbones to create a proper bite. It’s often done in combination with braces, which are used to straighten the teeth before and after the surgery. While it is a significant procedure, for the right candidate, it can bring meaningful improvements. Your dentist can provide a clearer treatment timeline during your initial assessment.

How Long Does it Take to Fix an Overbite?

There’s no single answer to this question, as the duration of treatment depends on a few things:

  • Severity of the Overbite: A mild overbite will take less time to fix than a severe one.

  • Type of Treatment: Braces often take 1-3 years, while Invisalign might be a bit shorter or longer, depending on the case. Jaw surgery will also add to the overall treatment time.

  • Age: It’s often quicker to treat an overbite in a child or teen because their jaws are still developing and easier to move.

  • Compliance: This is a big one! For braces, it’s essential to follow your orthodontist’s instructions, wear your elastics, and keep your appointments. For Invisalign, it’s essential to wear your aligners for at least 22 hours a day. Not following the instructions can significantly extend your treatment time.

Your orthodontist will give you a more accurate timeline during your first consultation.

Post-Treatment Care and Maintenance

Once your overbite is fixed, the job isn’t over. To keep your new smile looking great, you must follow your orthodontist’s instructions for post-treatment care.

  • Wear Your Retainer: This is the most important part of the maintenance phase. Your retainer helps keep your teeth from shifting back to their original positions. Your dentist will advise how often to wear it, often starting with full-time wear and later reducing to nighttime use.

  • Keep Up with Dental Hygiene: Continue to brush and floss regularly to keep your teeth and gums healthy. Now that your teeth are straight, it’s much easier to clean them properly.

  • Regular Check-ups: Don’t skip your routine dental check-ups. Your dentist can ensure your teeth are healthy and that your bite remains in place.

Preventing Future Bite Issues

While you can’t always prevent an overbite, especially if it’s genetic, you can help reduce the risk of it getting worse or developing other issues.

  • Early Intervention: It’s recommended that children have an orthodontic evaluation by around age seven. Early assessment can help identify bite concerns while the jaw is still developing, making treatment simpler.

  • Breaking Bad Habits: Encourage your child to stop thumb-sucking or pacifier use by age four.

  • Good Oral Habits: Teach your kids to take care of their teeth from a young age, as this can prevent many dental problems.

Conclusion

An overbite is a very common dental condition that can affect a person’s health and confidence. But with the right treatment and care, it can be corrected effectively. Whether you’re a parent looking for options for your child or an adult who’s finally ready to get the smile you’ve always wanted, there are many solutions available. Taking that first step and consulting with a dentist or an orthodontist is the best way to understand your options and start your journey towards a healthier, happier smile. 

If you live in Berwick or a surrounding area and are ready to explore your options, seeking a local expert is a great idea. 

FAQs

Q1: Is an overbite the same as buck teeth? 

A: Not exactly. “Buck teeth” is a common term for teeth that stick out, which is often a symptom of an overbite. However, an overbite is a dental condition where the upper jaw overlaps the lower jaw.

Q2: Can I fix an overbite with just Invisalign? 

A: Invisalign can fix mild to moderate overbites. For more severe cases, traditional braces or a combination of treatments are often more effective. An orthodontist will be able to tell you if you’re a good candidate for Invisalign.

Q3: Does fixing an overbite hurt? 

A: You can expect some discomfort or soreness after adjustments with braces or when you change your Invisalign aligners. This is a common occurrence that typically happens as the teeth begin to shift. It’s usually manageable with over-the-counter pain relievers.

Q4: Can I fix an overbite in just a few months? 

A: It’s very unlikely. Fixing an overbite is a process that takes time to ensure the teeth and jaws are moved safely and effectively into their new positions. The process usually takes at least a year or two.

Get to Know Your Options

Ready to take the first step towards a straighter, healthier smile? Find an experienced orthodontist in your area today to discuss your overbite treatment options. A consultation is the best way to learn more about what’s possible and get a personalised treatment plan just for you. 

Take the first step by arranging a consultation to discuss the right treatment options for your needs.

Source: How to Fix an Overbite: Treatment Options & Solutions

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